South Lanarkshire councillors took two key decisions at this week’s community and enterprise resources committee meeting which affect the project.

The first decision was changes to some elements of the Stewartfield Way City Deal project and an expansion to include a focus on the town centre.

The second decision means that ownership of the Centre West Shopping Centre will transfer to South Lanarkshire Council, with that decision finalised towards the end of 2025/beginning of 2026.

It is proposed that the Stewartfield Way project will now be split into two parts, with one still delivering improvements to the transportation infrastructure in East Kilbride, and the other concentrating on taking forward initial works for the redevelopment of the town centre.

The approved project budget of £62.2 million will now be realigned, with £30 million directed towards transportation infrastructure improvements and £32.2 million directed to town centre activity.

Both decisions will be referred to the council’s executive committee for approval, with the Glasgow City Region programme management office then asked to approve the Stewartfield Way plans on 11 June.

Councillor Robert Brown, chair of the community and enterprise resources committee, said: “These are vital steps forward towards a new future for East Kilbride, both the town centre and the transportation network in the Stewartfield Way area.

“The ambitious town centre plans will need considerable investment to deliver the master plan but the arrangements for Centre West and the new funding available from the City Deal changes will mean we have the ability to move forward quickly on an agreed basis with the administrators of Centre West.

“Stewartfield Way will still see a number of key improvements. This includes easing traffic congestion at both the Hairmyres and Kingsgate ends, enhancing bus infrastructure, and improving cycling and walking routes.

“All in all, I am confident these plans and the significant investment that go with them will lead to a bright future for East Kilbride after the decline of recent years.”